Q: What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The core of this role involves embedding the People Planet Profit (PPP) approach across all business units in the Greater Manchester region. You will be responsible for leading the delivery and monitoring of contractual Social Value commitments, ensuring every project aligns with both corporate targets and local authority requirements. You will also coordinate the Sustainability Champions Network, acting as a central point of expertise for sustainability initiatives. This includes preparing and presenting detailed performance reports for senior management and external stakeholders, as well as monitoring legislative changes to ensure the business remains compliant and proactive in its environmental strategy.

Q: Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates can expect to gain significant expertise in Social Value measurement frameworks , specifically using tools like LoOP and the TOMS (Themes, Outcomes and Measures) methodology. This provides a specialized skillset in quantifying the social and economic impact of corporate activities, a highly sought-after competency in the ESG sector. Furthermore, working within a global environmental services leader like SUEZ offers deep exposure to circular economy operations at scale. You will likely learn how to navigate the intersection of public sector policy and private sector delivery, gaining a nuanced understanding of local government decision-making processes and resource management innovation.

Q: What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses heavily on the Social Value aspect of ESG , particularly how waste management contracts can generate positive outcomes for local communities, such as jobs, skills, and environmental improvements. You will work on projects that directly contribute to the circular economy, focusing on resource recovery and waste reduction. There is also a strong emphasis on governance and compliance , specifically ensuring that all activities align with SUEZ's People Planet Profit framework. You will be the point person for evidencing impact, ensuring that sustainability claims are backed by rigorous data and meet the high transparency standards required by public sector partners.

Q: What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the primary challenges will be translating high-level strategy into operational reality . Site teams often have competing priorities, and you will need to convince busy operational managers that sustainability initiatives are essential rather than additional burdens. Additionally, managing the complexity of contractual reporting can be demanding. Balancing the specific requirements of the GMCA with SUEZ's internal corporate reporting cycles requires high attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure, especially when legislative changes or policy shifts occur during the contract term.

Q: How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with a site visit to engage with Sustainability Champions , followed by a meeting with local community partners or charities to discuss social value projects. You would spend time analyzing data from the LoOP or TOMS platforms to track progress against contractual targets. Afternoons might involve drafting consultation responses to emerging government policies or preparing a presentation for an internal governance forum. The role is highly varied, blending desk-based reporting and strategic planning with active, face-to-face stakeholder management across the Bolton region.

Q: The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact daily with the Sustainability Champions Network , providing guidance to employees across various sites. Externally, your most important relationship will be with representatives from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and other local government bodies. Internally, you will report to the sustainability function while working closely with operational site managers and business development teams . You will also engage with local community groups, educational institutions, and environmental charities to deliver on the social value commitments inherent in the contract.

Question 1

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

Accepted Answer

The core of this role involves embedding the People Planet Profit (PPP) approach across all business units in the Greater Manchester region. You will be responsible for leading the delivery and monitoring of contractual Social Value commitments, ensuring every project aligns with both corporate targets and local authority requirements. You will also coordinate the Sustainability Champions Network, acting as a central point of expertise for sustainability initiatives. This includes preparing and presenting detailed performance reports for senior management and external stakeholders, as well as monitoring legislative changes to ensure the business remains compliant and proactive in its environmental strategy.

Question 2

Key learning opportunities for this job

Accepted Answer

Candidates can expect to gain significant expertise in Social Value measurement frameworks, specifically using tools like LoOP and the TOMS (Themes, Outcomes and Measures) methodology. This provides a specialized skillset in quantifying the social and economic impact of corporate activities, a highly sought-after competency in the ESG sector. Furthermore, working within a global environmental services leader like SUEZ offers deep exposure to circular economy operations at scale. You will likely learn how to navigate the intersection of public sector policy and private sector delivery, gaining a nuanced understanding of local government decision-making processes and resource management innovation.

Question 3

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

Accepted Answer

The ideal candidate holds a degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Science or Geography and maintains professional membership in bodies like IEMA or CIWM. You must have a proven track record of working within or alongside local authority waste services, as understanding their specific priorities is critical for success. Beyond technical knowledge, SUEZ looks for high emotional intelligence and the ability to influence without direct authority. You should be a self-starter who is comfortable manipulating data from multiple sources to tell a compelling story, while also being creative enough to propose new solutions for complex sustainability challenges.

Question 4

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Accepted Answer

To stand out, move beyond general sustainability concepts and demonstrate a concrete understanding of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) landscape. Tailor your application to show how you have previously managed 'Social Value' rather than just 'Sustainability', as this specific contractual focus is a cornerstone of the role. Highlight your experience with stakeholder mapping and engagement. Since the role requires influencing diverse groups—from site managers to council officials—providing examples of how you adapted your communication style to achieve a sustainability goal will be much more effective than a list of technical certifications.

Question 5

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

Accepted Answer

The role focuses heavily on the Social Value aspect of ESG, particularly how waste management contracts can generate positive outcomes for local communities, such as jobs, skills, and environmental improvements. You will work on projects that directly contribute to the circular economy, focusing on resource recovery and waste reduction. There is also a strong emphasis on governance and compliance, specifically ensuring that all activities align with SUEZ's People Planet Profit framework. You will be the point person for evidencing impact, ensuring that sustainability claims are backed by rigorous data and meet the high transparency standards required by public sector partners.

Question 6

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

Accepted Answer

One of the primary challenges will be translating high-level strategy into operational reality. Site teams often have competing priorities, and you will need to convince busy operational managers that sustainability initiatives are essential rather than additional burdens. Additionally, managing the complexity of contractual reporting can be demanding. Balancing the specific requirements of the GMCA with SUEZ's internal corporate reporting cycles requires high attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure, especially when legislative changes or policy shifts occur during the contract term.

Question 7

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

Accepted Answer

A typical day might begin with a site visit to engage with Sustainability Champions, followed by a meeting with local community partners or charities to discuss social value projects. You would spend time analyzing data from the LoOP or TOMS platforms to track progress against contractual targets. Afternoons might involve drafting consultation responses to emerging government policies or preparing a presentation for an internal governance forum. The role is highly varied, blending desk-based reporting and strategic planning with active, face-to-face stakeholder management across the Bolton region.

Question 8

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

Accepted Answer

Given SUEZ's global footprint, this role offers a pathway into regional or global sustainability leadership. Successfully managing a high-profile contract like the one in Greater Manchester provides visibility with senior executives and demonstrates the ability to handle complex, large-scale environmental projects. There are also opportunities for lateral moves into environmental consultancy or corporate strategy teams within the group. The company’s focus on digital transformation in the water and waste sectors means you could also gain exposure to cutting-edge sustainability technologies, positioning you at the forefront of the industry's evolution.

Question 9

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Accepted Answer

You will interact daily with the Sustainability Champions Network, providing guidance to employees across various sites. Externally, your most important relationship will be with representatives from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and other local government bodies. Internally, you will report to the sustainability function while working closely with operational site managers and business development teams. You will also engage with local community groups, educational institutions, and environmental charities to deliver on the social value commitments inherent in the contract.

Sustainability Manager

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

Key learning opportunities for this job

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

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